The PlayStation gaming community has been treated to a plethora of expansive and immersive open world games in 2023. These worlds provide players with spectacular environments to explore, each offering a unique adventure and a sense of freedom that only the open world genre can. In this exploration of the top PS5 and PS4 open world games of the year, we highlight the exceptional experiences that stood out among the rest, as ranked by the Push Square editorial team.
Bronze Trophy: Tchia - At the bronze level, we have Tchia, a game that draws inspiration from the beauty and culture of New Caledonia. Tchia offers a refreshing spin on open world exploration by allowing the player to not only navigate the environment as a young girl but also by 'Soul Jumping' into various animals like fish, pigs, dolphins, deer, cats, cows, and even crows. This mechanic adds depth to the traversal system and enriches interactions within the diverse biomes of the tropical island setting. The game's design is intentional in its laid-back pace, urging players to enjoy the journey rather than hastening them to a particular destination. With its heartwarming narrative and creative gameplay, Tchia truly deserves its place in the spotlight.
Silver Trophy: Hogwarts Legacy - Harry Potter aficionados have longed for an opportunity to roam the corridors of Hogwarts and Hogwarts Legacy delivers this dream in spades. Players don the roles of wizards and witches, partaking in an authentic experience that Hogwarts Legacy renders in expansive detail. From exploring the legendary school to visiting the nearby village of Hogsmeade and other freshly introduced regions, the game crafts a magical atmosphere that's sure to captivate Potterheads. While the open world elements may lose a bit of their magic when venturing beyond familiar grounds, the impressive recreation of Hogwarts itself warrants high praises, earning Hogwarts Legacy the silver accolade.
Gold Trophy: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora swoops in as a late entry but still manages to claim the gold trophy. The game showcases the Western Frontier, a new region within the Avatar universe, brought to life by stunning PlayStation 5 visuals and an engaging open world map. The game revitalizes some traditional Ubisoft open world elements by interconnecting the clearing of bases with the revival of local flora and crafting systems, thus giving players a tangible impact on the environment. By incentivizing players to improve the world around them for resources, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora fosters a compelling gameplay loop that highlights the open world as its central feature.
Platinum Trophy: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - Topping the charts and winning the platinum trophy is Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Insomniac Games reinvigorates the classic New York map from the previous iteration by expanding it with new districts such as Brooklyn and Queens. Despite the familiarity of the city, the developers have successfully enhanced traversal mechanics and refreshed the activities spread across the cityscape. Players take on the roles of Peter Parker and Miles Morales, zipping through the city at exhilarating speeds, reinforcing the sense of thrill with each swing. Side quests have also seen considerable improvements, encouraging exploration and discovery. Reflecting elements of Elden Ring's exploration dynamics, certain activities must be discovered before being highlighted on the map. Insomniac has further streamlined the gaming experience by implementing near-instantaneous fast travel, making navigation throughout the open world a delightful experience.
Honourable Mentions: Also worthy of note are Assassin's Creed Mirage and Forspoken, which have captured the imagination of players but didn’t quite make the top spots.
These PS5 and PS4 open world games have defined a year lined with immersive landscapes and dynamic adventures, with each title offering its own distinctive charm. As gamers continue to vote for their personal favorite and engage in discussions about their open-world of choice, it’s clear the genre remains one of the most beloved in the gaming world. The experience of exploring these digital realms has become a staple of modern gaming, and 2023 has been a year to remember for PlayStation fans seeking adventure beyond the confines of reality.
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